Why should you consider Japan as a destination for educational trips?

In 2024 alone, a record-breaking number of over 36 million travelers visited Japan. But it’s not just manga fans, Japow-chasing skiers, and avid shoppers who are crazy about visiting Japan. The country is also an increasingly popular destination for educational tours and service learning programs. 

For instance, the IB (International Baccalaureate) program emphasizes travel as a way to learn. Students must undertake a CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) project as part of the IB DP core curriculum. Students must also learn two languages. What better way to complete these requirements than through an extended stay in Japan? 

When it comes to the education of young minds, as a teacher, advisor, supervisor, or coordinator, you understand the importance of destination in shaping learning outcomes. A trip abroad for a young person is one of the most memorable parts of growing up. It is an opportunity for a young student to be immersed in a different culture and develop empathy. It is an opportunity to challenge them to think creatively, critically, and even engage in service learning. 

Japan is a great destination for educational trips as it is the perfect blend of nature, sports, history, and modern culture. The infrastructure is dependable. The train transportation network is well-developed. The water and food quality are high, and even eggs are routinely eaten raw. The country is also well known for being a safe country; elementary school children go to school on their own.

Every five years, the world hits pause to imagine what’s next. In 2025, the future lands in Japan, as the Osaka Expo 2025 transforms Yumeshima Island into a living blueprint of tomorrow. Think AI-powered cities, space-age biotech, and the kind of innovation that makes sci-fi feel outdated—all unfolding across a six-month global spectacle.

Expect pavilions that defy gravity, immersive experiences that rewire your senses, and technology so advanced it borders on magic—all set against the backdrop of Japan’s deep-rooted traditions. From April 13 to October 13, 2025, this isn’t just an event—it’s 28 million people stepping inside the future.

Whether you’re a tech obsessive, culture connoisseur, or food lover chasing the next culinary revolution, this is where the world meets what’s next.

The second sakura season begins, Japan transforms. Shelves fill with pastel-colored packaging, cafés roll out their once-a-year menus, and entire product lines disappear as fast as they arrive. It’s not subtle—it’s a full-scale seasonal takeover.

Some of it is novelty (yes, even cherry blossom potato chips exist), but some of it is genuinely worth hunting down. Delicate sakura ceramics, limited-edition sweets, handcrafted textiles—pieces that feel tied to the season in a way that isn’t just about aesthetics. Some are edible, some are collectible, and some you’ll wish you’d bought twice.

But timing is everything. These aren’t souvenirs that wait around. If you want the good stuff, you need to know what to look for—and exactly where to find it before it’s gone.

With the massive swings in temperature messing up the sakura’s internal thermostat, you may be excused for wondering if the sakura will blossom early or late this spring. Many tourists to Japan were disappointed last year after the cherry blossoms appeared later than expected, leaving many of them having to go home without any photograph of the famed flowers.

The cherry blossoms will likely bloom later than usual in 2025

According to early forecasts, this year’s somei yoshino cherry blossoms (the most common variety of sakura variety, often planted in parks) are forecast to start blooming on par with, or later than the average year.

Japan remains one of the world’s safest travel destinations, but like anywhere, it comes with seasonal risks—especially in winter, when flu and norovirus cases spike. Crowded trains, busy tourist attractions, and indoor heating all contribute to the rapid spread of infections.

However, Japan’s strong culture of hygiene, like frequent handwashing, mask-wearing, and the use of antiseptic mouthwash, offers valuable lessons for travelers looking to stay well. Simple habits, smart precautions, and local knowledge can make all the difference.

Wanping Aw, a biomedical scientist and founder of TokudAw, has spent years bridging science with travel. With a Ph.D. in Biomedical Science and deep expertise in Japan’s medical landscape, she offers key insights into how travelers can protect themselves—and how TokudAw provides health-conscious solutions for those exploring Japan.

A simple guide to help you stay warm and cozy for your snow holiday in Japan

How to Dress for Winter and Snow

Layering is the best way to stay warm and dress in winter. You’ll need to dress in 3 layers–base layer, mid layer, outer layer. You’ll also need warm accessories, which we will cover in this guide for cold-weather dressing. Dressing in multiple layers not only helps to trap more heat than wearing just one thick layer, but it is also a very functional way to regulate your body temperature. As you move from the cold to a warmer place indoors, you’ll be glad to be able to remove some of those layers.